Spartanburg , S.C. - The George Mason softball team finished off the USC Upstate Tournament with an 8-0 victory over Hampton.  It was their second defeat of Hampton in the tournament and their record was improved to 2-2 on the season. 

The Patriots jumped to an early lead thanks to three Hampton errors in the first inning.  With two on and two out for Mason, Hampton made the first costly error that eventually led to five runs in the inning. 

Reagan Doiron added to the lead in the fourth inning with a sacrifice in foul territory.  Two more runs were added in the fifth inning off of another error and a sacrifice fly to right field by Samantha Barney.

Kelsey Byrd pitched a five-inning complete game shutout for Mason allowing just two hits and two walks.  Her record improved to 1-1 on the year. 

Although Mason scored eight runs, only three came off of RBI's thanks to four total errors by Hampton.  Barney finished the game 2-for-2 with two RBI's and Doiron added to the offense by an RBI off a sacrifice and walking twice.  Stephanie Strother and Tori Dudley also had hits for the Patriots. 

Three Mason players were named to the USC Upstate Classic All-Tournament Team for their performances during the weekend.  Rachael Davies, Emily Lafferty and Katie Rynex all received the honor.  Rynex had a huge tournament going 4-for-11 (.362) with three home runs, a double, six RBI's, and four runs scored.  Lafferty batted .333 (2-for-6) with two runs scored and two walks while Davies finished the tournament 2-for-13 (.154) with an RBI and a run scored. 

The Patriots will play their next game when they host Mount Saint Mary's on March 2 for a double header that is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm.